‘Our Expansion Plans Target Tier 2 & 3 Cities’

Incepted in 1988 with its first hotel in Pune, Maharashtra, Pride Group of Hotels came a long way with its presence in 20 different location across the country. The group operates under four distinct brands namely: Pride Plaza, Pride Hotels, Pride Resorts, Pride Biznotel, and boasts of more than 2500 rooms, 52 restaurants, 73 banquets and conference halls.

With the recent awards and recognition Pride Hotels is getting, how do you trace your journey from when you started till now?

We are overwhelmed and honoured to be receiving these awards as it serves as tes-timony to the hard work, patience, perseverance and passion, we at the Pride Group have put over the decade. Our hotel group has grown from strength to strength, and within a short span of time has successfully established a formidable name in the hospitality industry. These recognitions further validate our efforts as a team and will push us to strive for setting higher standards in all spheres of hospitality.

With the recent addition of Bharuch & Rajkot, Pride has 24 properties. What are the expansion plans for 2021?

We are planning to scale up our operations to focus more on ‘Pride Hotels’ and ‘Biznotel’ brands that are moderately priced, upscale, full service, business and leisure hotels.

Our major expansion plan is primarily targeted towards Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities that translate into vast busi-ness potential. We are looking forward to adding 10 more units as a part of our portfolio expan-sion across the country.

MICE segment will take time to revive due to the disruption caused by COVID-19. How do you plan to revamp MICE and increase revenues?

As the vaccination program in our country gains ground, business tourism and the MICE indus-try have also started gaining momentum. Our Hotels have started embracing innovative ideas to organise these events. At Pride Hotels, we are extending a warm welcome to all our guests who want to host their next event; whether it is a wedding, corporate function, exhibition or any social gathering. All of the events are supervised by an experienced team of field professionals. Depending on the nature of the events we design the itinerary, starting from the guest welcoming to catering services. We provide personalised event services which include live streaming services, specialised decor option and financial assistance if needed. In addition to these, we also provide customised services to events rooted in tradition by offering F&B services with community special cuisines. We give priority to the needs of each and every individual, so they don’t miss out on their experience.

What are the technological advancements taken in light of safety of guests and staff because of COVID?

Due to the current scenario of social distancing and for the safety of our staff and guests, at the Pride Hotels we have rolled out enhanced technological measures like contactless check-in & check-out facility through apps to avoid unnecessary contact; contactless billing facility, and mo-bile-friendly dining menu. Other measures include marking the floors in the lobby area for people to maintain social distancing at all times and all the key touch-points area in the hotel are sanitised every half an hour. We have installed an in-house touch-free washbasin at every needed step for maintaining hygiene and sanitation processes. We have also deployed technology in every aspect of our services. New energy-efficient equipment like ATCS, VFD chillier, HPN, Lighting control, auto dosing system cooling tower, STP water utilisation has been installed to elevate customers’ experiences.

What are the plans for accommodating demands from domestic tourists?

Seeing the upcoming trend, the Pride Group has already launched several Drivecations and Staycations packages and MICE initiatives. We have also designed holiday packages with financial assistance for families and kids who are longing for a fun yet safe vacation. And to make sure that our guests are safe during the transit the Pride will also arrange for the pickup and drop service.

Moreover, to help the travel, tourism and hospitality industry to bounce back we have launched a new campaign called ‘India Dekho With Pride’. This is an initiative in the direction of promoting India as a safe and viable destination for tourism and MICE. We have launched a few concepts like Co-Working & Corporate Spaces desks - the alternate office space for working professionals and have introduced services like ‘Wedding at Pride’ while also providing financial assistance for the ceremony. We ensure each wedding group is personally attended. Eye to detail is given to miniscule measure like special cuisine as per customs and community to start with. To further accentuate our efforts, we give our guests a taste of “Truly Indian” tradition mixed with authentic local experiences and traditional cuisines. From welcoming them with Garland and Tikka to providing them with fresh local fragrances, Indian flavours with home- made pickles.

What are the ARR for the different hotels? Have the occupancy levels improved and to what extent?

We are witnessing a rise in demand across India at present. Our Resorts are more in demand than the City hotels while social events and keeping our banquets occupied. The inbound MICE market has begun to pick up again too.

What are the experiences that guests should look forward to from Pride Hotels?

Strengthening our ‘Truly Indian’ experience that resonates with comfort and warm hospitality, we at the Pride Group of Hotels have launched multiple campaigns to boost our guest’s confidence. We want our guests to know that we are doing everything we can to ensure them a warm welcome back to a safe and clean hotel environment. This new normal era is quite transformative for our industry as well as for our guests. And there is no other way to move forward than adapt-ing to it and re-skilling ourselves.

What advice do you have for young professionals starting out in the Hospitality business?

One needs to always remember, there is no substitute for hard work. Be prepared to be flexible, dynamic and a team player. But most importantly to realise the full potential, one needs the ability to continuously learn and develop their skills on an ongoing basis. Be a permanent good student in life.